Hong Kong Marathon 2026 Starts Today, Attracting 74,000 Runners from Home and Abroad

The Hong Kong Marathon 2026 was held today (January 18th), with Chief Executive Mr. John Lee officiating as a guest of honor at the start of the full marathon race at 6:00 am. The full marathon race started on Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, with runners crossing the harbor via the Western Harbour Crossing and finishing at Victoria Park on Hong Kong Island, a distance of approximately 42 kilometers.

The Chief Executive, Mr. John Lee officiated as a guest of honor at the start of the full marathon race. Photo source: FB of Mr. John Lee

Mr. John Lee stated on his social media that the Hong Kong Marathon, as one of the most popular running events in Hong Kong, has been awarded "M" Mark status by the Major Sports Events Committee. For many years, it has attracted running enthusiasts from around the world to compete with each other in such a unique cityscape and consolidated Hong Kong's status as a centre for major international sports events. He stated that the HKSAR Government will continue to actively promote the elite, mega event-oriented, professional, industrialized, and popularized development of sports, as well as organize diverse sports and recreation activities to encourage citizens to develop regular exercise habits.

The honored guests cheered on the runners of the Hong Kong Marathon. Photo source: FB of Mr. John Lee

Mr. John Lee also mentioned that according to the Hong Kong Observatory's weather forecast, the weather will be generally sunny, warm, and dry during the day, providing runners with a comfortable environment. He wished all the athletes the best of luck to enjoy a smooth race and achieve excellent results.

The Hong Kong Marathon 2026 starts today. Photo by Bastille Post

Miss Rosanna Law, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, also attended the start ceremony of the marathon.

Runners from home and abroad participated in this mega sports event. Photo by Bastille Post

The organizing committee stated that the 2026 marathon will continue to have 74,000 runner slots, with overseas or non-local runners coming from 110 countries or regions, accounting for 25%, an increase of approximately over 20% compared to last year.

Runners arrived at the marathon finish line successively. Photo by Bastille Post

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Former Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic retired on Monday.

Raonic was the first Canadian man to reach a Grand Slam final in 2016 at Wimbledon. He beat Roger Federer in the semifinals 6-3, 6-7, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 and lost to Andy Murray in the final.

That year, he also reached the Australian Open semifinals, suffering an adductor injury when he led Murray two sets to one, and qualified for the ATP Finals for the first time. He ended the year at a career-high No. 3 ranking.

“I have been the luckiest person to get to live out and fulfill my dreams,” Raonic said on X. “I got to show up every day and focus on just getting better, seeing where that will take me, and playing a game I was introduced to at 8 years old by complete luck. Somehow, this became my entire obsession and childhood, and then became my profession and life.”

Big-serving Raonic, nicknamed “Missile,” won eight ATP singles titles after turning professional in 2011.

He holds the record for most aces in a three-set match, 47, at Queen's Club in 2024 and played his last career match soon after at the Paris Olympics, a 7-6, 6-7, 6-7 loss to Dominik Koepfer in the first round.

“The time has come, I am retiring from tennis,” the 35-year-old Raonic said. “This is a moment you know will come one day, but somehow you never feel ready for it. This is as ready as I will ever be. Tennis has been my love and obsession for most of my life,” Raonic said.

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

FILE - Milos Raonic of Canada waves as he leaves Rod Laver Arena after retiring from his first round match against Alex de Minaur of Australia at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)